Guide to Rising to Power as a Wife in Beijing's Elite Circle

He put the proposal into a manila envelope, sealed it, and wrote on the cover, "To be opened by Chief of Staff Ren." Then he picked up the red landline on the table and dialed an internal number.

"Chief Ren, I have some materials here that I would like you to take a look at. It is a policy recommendation regarding the issue of wage arrears in the construction industry of Zhongzhou City."

"When did you start paying attention to the construction industry?"

Fang Jingxiu smiled. "It's not that I'm concerned about the construction industry, it's that I'm concerned about social stability. If things continue like this, it will be difficult to explain to the higher-ups."

Fang Jingxiu was telling him that if they didn't do this, it would affect their superiors. If their superiors were unhappy, everyone would be in trouble.

Ren Yijun was silent for two seconds. "Send it over."

Fang Jingxiu hung up the phone and put the file folder into his briefcase. He stood up and straightened his tie. As he walked to the door, he glanced back at the stack of manuscript papers on the table. Each word on those papers was written by him, word by word. Every single word represented his painstaking effort.

But he couldn't sign his name. He also had to push the credit far away.

When Fang Jingxiu entered Ren Yijun's office, the door was open.

"sit."

Fang Jingxiu sat down, placed the file folder on the table, and pushed it in front of Ren Yijun. "Chief Ren, this is what I wrote. It's a policy recommendation regarding the issue of wage arrears in the construction industry of Zhongzhou City."

"Fang Si, when did you start paying attention to the construction industry?"

"Chief Ren, it's not that I'm concerned about the construction industry, it's that I'm concerned about social stability." Fang Jingxiu's voice was steady, and he enunciated each word clearly. "The number of wage arrears cases in Zhongzhou City this year has increased by forty percent compared to the same period last year. It's almost the end of the year, and the workers haven't received their wages. They're capable of blocking roads, petitioning, and even jumping off buildings."

If this isn't done, it will affect those above. If they're unhappy, everyone will suffer. Ren Yijun, having just taken office, is most afraid of displeasing those above. A person without roots has to carry every brick and walk every step of the way alone. If they make a mistake, they'll hurt themselves. If they stray from the path, they'll fall into their own trap.

Ren Yijun opened the file folder and pulled out the stack of manuscript papers. He didn't rush to read the contents; he first flipped through the page numbers, checked the format, and then started reading from the first page.

"Fang Si, did you write this proposal all by yourself?"

"I wrote it all by myself. The information is publicly available, and the policy basis is current; I just put them together."

"It's easy to put it all together. Do you know how many people this proposal would offend if it were submitted? Developers, contractors, general contractors, and the entire construction industry."

"Chief of Staff, I know. But I also know that achievements are the stepping stones to a political career."

Ren Yijun remained silent. He was calculating whether the cost was worth it.

"Fang Si," Ren Yijun finally spoke, "do you know why I was transferred here from the Northwest?"

This isn't asking if he knows the reason; it's telling him, "I have no roots." In officialdom, being transferred from the Northwest means you have neither rivals nor allies there.

"Chief of Staff, I don't know." Fang Jingxiu's voice was calm. "But I do know one thing: no matter where you are, what people who get things done always lack is the support of the people."

"Fang Si, then why didn't you sign your name?"

"Chief Executive Officer Ren, I work for the Central Economic Audit Bureau. Labor policy is not within my jurisdiction. Anyone can sign the document, as long as they are willing to speak up for the workers. Who I am is not important."

Who I am is not important; the main thing is to make the leader feel that the credit belongs to you.

"Fang Si, I'm not good at polite talk." His voice was low, as if he were talking to himself. "I was transferred here from the Northwest this time. To put it nicely, it's an important appointment; to put it bluntly, it's... an exile."

Fang Jingxiu remained silent. He knew Ren Yijun was telling the truth. In officialdom, being promoted and being banished were the same thing. If your superiors wanted to use you, they would send you to the most chaotic place. If they wanted to remove you, they would also send you to the most chaotic place.

The difference lies in whether you can establish yourself after you arrive. If you do, you'll be given important responsibilities. If you don't, you'll be exiled.

"I was suddenly thrust into this Central Economic Audit Bureau. Everyone under me has their own agenda. Although Meng Sizheng is in jail, his people are still here. Fang Si, you used to work for Meng Sizheng, you should know this better than I do."

Fang Jingxiu nodded. "Understood."

"Fang Si, what I'm saying to you today is because I consider you one of my own."

Fang Jingxiu stood up and bowed slightly. "Chief of Staff Ren, you trust me, and I will not let you down."

Ren Yijun picked up the proposal again and looked at the cover once more. "Director Fang, I'll accept this proposal. I'll submit the motion for the three-five meeting. If it succeeds, you'll share the credit. If it fails, I'll take the blame alone."

He knew Ren Yijun was testing him. Testing whether he dared to accept the challenge. "Chief Ren, we can't lose. I've calculated this plan. The workers support it, the media supports it, and the higher-ups need a role model like this. With these three forces combined, no one can stop us."

"Fang Si, you're too good at calculating."

"Chief Ren, it's not that I'm too good at calculations, it's just that this is too simple. The workers won, you won, Zhongzhou City won. The only losers are those who shouldn't have won."

Ren Yijun picked up a pen and wrote one word on the cover of the proposal: "Do". He put the proposal in the drawer and locked it.

"Director Fang, I will submit this proposal in five days. In these five days, prepare the supporting implementation details. Then, submit them together."

"Yes, Chief of Staff Ren."

He turned and walked towards the door. He paused at the door, but didn't look back.

"Chief of Staff Ren, you just said that you treat me as one of your own."

Ren Yijun remained silent.

Fang Jingxiu continued, "We're family, so we not only share the good times, but also the bad. If you encounter any difficulties with the plan, feel free to contact me anytime."

He pushed open the door and went out.

Fang Jingxiu walked down the corridor, his footsteps light. He didn't go back to his office, but went to the stairwell instead. The corridor was dark, with only the emergency lights casting a dim yellow glow. He leaned against the wall and lit a cigarette.

Smoke curled upwards, swirling in the dim light. He recalled the conversation, each word replaying in his mind. Ren Yijun had said he was transferred from the Northwest, that he had no roots, and that his subordinates all had their own agendas. These words were all telling him, "I need you on my side."

Ren Yijun needed someone on his side, someone with authority among Meng Sizheng's former subordinates, someone who could help him establish a firm foothold. Fang Jingxiu was that person.

Fang Jingxiu needed Ren Yijun. Ren Yijun was sent from above and held the highest power in the Central Economic Review. If Fang Jingxiu wanted to secure his position, he had to rely on him.

Therefore, they need each other. Mutual need is the best kind of relationship.